Last night we experienced a Team TLC Letting Go Ceremony. I hadn’t planned this. The idea came to me yesterday morning. May you treat yourself to something similar in the coming days. xoxo
I explained to Thomas and Lillian what we’d be doing. Writing down habits, fears, beliefs that hold us back on a strip of paper. Then, reading each one aloud, touching it to the candle flame, saying some type of farewell phrase and dropping it into the coffee can.
After dinner we wrote stories, beliefs, habits, and fears on strips of paper. It was such a wonderful, blissful feeling sitting with both of them doing this. They really, truly understood the process and what types of things to write on the strips. I was so moved. There was a beautiful excitement in the air. A magical anticipation of releasing habits, beliefs and fears that do not serve us and hold us back.
We sat around the can and a candle. Thomas went first, then Lillian and then me (Team TLC order, of course). I was moved to near tears hearing each of them read habits, fears, and beliefs that they bid farewell. They were surprised to hear some of what I had written on my slips. I think it was good for them to hear some of the things I choose to feel guilty about at times and negative beliefs that I’m still dislodging.
So beautiful, amazing, wonderful, blissful. We will make this a regular Team TLC event .. quarterly, twice a year, or at the minimum, once per year.
This was inspired by a combination of my latest blog post and a couple of books I’m reading.
Pomegranate Italian Soda for Thomas and I and pressed apple juice for Lillian, cheese and cracker tray, root vegetable chips, and vegetarian chili scooped over avocado. Part 1
Team TLC snug n cozy celebration …. Part 2
Ended the night with a Letting Go and Calling In Burning Ceremony. xoxo
It was wonderful! The exercises we did also facilitated some good stuff with my heart and throat chakra … I was flooded with blues and greens when my eyes were closed! Thomas says he does want to come again. He will just make sure to bring a little pillow and we won’t get lost and be late!
This has been a month of firsts for me … So many! This morning is another. I’ll be sitting for the Portrait Society of Reno as a live model for the class to paint. It’s been a time of saying “Yes” more often than saying “No”.
And today’s adventure stemmed from saying, “yes”, to something I would normally have said “no” to doing. The past few months have been a time of really listening to my intuition and going with it, even if I don’t understand why in the beginning. The why becomes clear eventually … xoxoxo
Last night we had the 3rd quarter “Letting Go Burning Ceremony”. It was our 4th one together as we began having it the last quarter of 2015.
There is much, much growth and learning happening here lately! As witnessed by the lack of focus on what T & L should include on their OWN strips of paper … And, arguing about what the other one should be including on their strip of paper …. Yes! Much learning for all 3 of us. xoxo
That’s where I sat this morning for 3 hours. Twenty minutes at a time, with a five minute break every 20. One of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever done!! Not smiling and staring at the same spot the whole time. It took 3 twenty minute rounds before I was able to relax!
Perfect exercise in mindfulness!!! Big time!! Don’t think I could do that again, unless I could be looking at a book or sitting in meditation pose.
I’m glad I said, “Yes”, though. I will never wonder, “What if?” Plus, I discovered a fabulous local place I didn’t know about and met some amazing folks!
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September 23 2016:
Field trip for Thomas today!!! He got to go visit Meg … And you too Barbara Richmond Chastain!! Imagine our delight when we spotted Thomas’ painted rocks amongst the other vibrant decorations.
Thank you Barb!!! Thomas loved, loved, loved it! I’m glad we got to chat for a few minutes too. I always enjoy our chats. xoxo
At the conclusion of Thomas’ lesson, Barbara Richmond Chastain asked, “What was your favorite part?” ….. I didn’t question my intuition when I was nudged to video this one little piece of the entire lesson. I just did it. Thomas’ answer, “The trotting!” ….. xoxo
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September 24 2016:
Another first and another “Yes!” …. A new resident posted in the community resident portal (kinda like a Facebook for The Vintage residents) that she needed someone to walk her dog in the middle of the day while she’s at work. I told her we’d be happy to do it!
When she and I met last weekend, it was such a relaxed conversation … Like we already knew one another. She’s here for 4 months on a consulting job.
We are blessed she came into our life and brought along “Happy” for us to enjoy almost every day of the week for 4 months. He’s 9 years old and an amazing and gentle fellow.
I have high hopes Lillian will let Happy be the dog that helps her with the fear and anxiety surrounding dogs. And his human is all for it too!!! Yes. Thank you. Bring us more please. xoxoxo
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September 24 2016:
It’s a wonderful day to mail Painted Rocks by Thomas to the beautiful soul who has commissioned Thomas to paint two a month. She’s gifting them to those who donate in a yearly fundraiser! Blessed!! On their way!! xoxo
Hand weaving ….. Thomas absolutely loves this. He loved it last year and again this year. He likes the math involved! This time we learned how he could make his own handmade loom!!
Although, he truly loves this one in the picture with the foot pedals. Anyone have one they aren’t using? Thank you Reno Fiber Guild!!!!